Delta passenger upset after being mistaken for human trafficking victim

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Delta Air Lines has for several years been pressuring the federal government to intervene against three foreign air carriers, Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways. It says the carriers, based in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are unfairly subsidized by their oil-rich governments, violating the spirit of international aviation trade pacts. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Lawrenceville, Georgia, resident Stephanie Ung and her friend were returning from a birthday trip in Cancun and coming home to family on Thanksgiving when they were stopped and questioned by officials after the flight arrived in Atlanta. Her brother Henry Ung described the incident in a Facebook post alleging racial discrimination.

Delta said in a written statement the two women were “observed by another customer to not be in possession of their passports — a possible indicator of a human trafficking event. Delta took the concern seriously and contacted the appropriate authorities who addressed the customers upon landing.”

“While their investigation did show that our customers were not being trafficked, we train our crew members to remain alert and use their professional experience and practice best judgment to ensure the safety of customers,” the airline said.

Delta also said: “We do not tolerate discrimination and are troubled by any accusations of discrimination. We have reached out to speak with our customers directly.”